The WNBA Finals will be a series of fine margins. Each player will have to dominate their individual battles to give their respective team an advantage. At this point, Jordin Canada's defensive impact is inevitable, much to the Golden State Valkyries' despair. Despite not being selected for the All-Defensive First Team, Canada's perimeter defense this season has been phenomenal, and it will be the Atlanta Dream's greatest weapon against the Valkyries' relentless 3-point barrage.
It is no mean feat to be selected on the WNBA's All-Defensive Second Team; in fact, few players will ever have this honour on their resume. However, the level of resilience Jordin Canada showed for the Atlanta Dream this season was nothing short of phenomenal, and she can count herself very unlucky not to be among the First Team.
Canada has little time to worry about awards as she is on the verge of playing in the WNBA's highest-pressure series. While clinching a championship will be the main focus, it is the perfect opportunity to invalidate her Second-Team selection and prove she should be rubbing shoulders with the league's most dominant defenders.
Canada could expose the Valkyries' overreliance on the three
Without sounding like a die-hard fan, the Valkyries have been magnificent in every area this season. From defensive brilliance to a raucous 'Ballhalla' crowd, it is hard not to be stunned by what Golden State has created. Nevertheless, like any team, their greatest strength can become their greatest weakness if the opposing team can plan against it correctly.
Throughout the 2026 season, the Valkyries averaged 28.2 3-point attempts per game -- the highest total in the WNBA. And they did so with great success, shooting 37.3% from deep. Natalie Nakase and Golden State have proven they will not deviate from their offensive blueprint unless they have no other choice -- and that is where Jordin Canada will be essential.
Second-chance points will be nigh on impossible to come by for the Valkyries with Angel Reese dominating the boards for Atlanta, so pressuring the original shot will be critical for the Dream. Canada has consistently proven this season, and throughout her career, that her perimeter defense is far superior to most players.
This season alone, the 31-year-old has averaged 1.9 steals per game, while forcing her opponents into countless turnovers due to her high-energy approach and relentless hustle. Her work rate is contagious. Atlanta has relied on Canada's defensive awareness to be the catalyst for their devastating transition offense in 2026, and that won't change in the WNBA Finals.
Restricting Golden State's 3-point shooting to under 30% would be difficult but undoubtedly swing momentum in Atlanta's favour. Assigning Canada to defend Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, and the recently underutilised Janelle Salaün could define the outcome of the entire series.
Every decision will count in the WNBA Finals. The Golden State Valkyries are a formidable foe, but if the Atlanta Dream can limit their ability to shoot the ball from deep, their odds will significantly increase. If any star can make this happen, that is Jordin Canada -- even if the All-WNBA First Team announcement suggests something different.
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